Irsa increases flows to Sindh after crop damage

Following protests over substantial damage to summer crops, Pakistan's Indus River System Authority (Irsa) has increased water releases downstream of the Chashma Barrage to address Sindh's water requirements. The decision comes after significant sowing losses across the province due to inadequate water supply.

Improved releases of 200,000 cusecs were made on June 13 and 14. However, the water's journey to the critically affected lower areas of Sindh will be lengthy. It is estimated to take approximately five days to reach the Guddu Barrage and an additional seven days to reach the Kotri Barrage, where shortages are most acute. This delay means affected regions will have to wait 10 to 12 days for the relief.

Adding to the concerns, experts are questioning the overall water storage capacity and management practices. Despite the recent increase in releases, canals have reportedly faced shortages, raising doubts about the system's efficiency in meeting agricultural needs. Sindh's water allocation is typically supplied at Chashma Barrage, but repeated demands have been made to release it at Guddu Barrage to minimize transit losses.